Tyson Fury has publicly warned that his much‑anticipated showdown with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua could now be hanging by a thread after the latter’s camp reportedly demanded a larger purse. The two champions have been quietly negotiating a November clash, with New York’s Madison Square Garden emerging as the most likely venue, but Fury’s recent social‑media video suggested that the deal might collapse if Joshua’s promoter continues to press for additional money. In the clip, Fury expressed frustration, noting that the fight contract appears to be stalled because Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, is seeking a bigger payday. "Quick update for you – it looks like they aren’t going to sign the fight and it looks like it’s not happening, all because Eddie Hearn wants more money," Fury said.
He went on to criticize the repeated requests for higher fees, pointing out that the Hearn‑Joshua team has already profited handsomely from a range of deals in recent years, from boxing and darts to snooker, many of which were funded by Saudi billionaire Turki Al‑Alshikh. "They’ve already taken a lot of money from Turki over the last few years, and yet they have the audacity to ask for even more," Fury added, before concluding with a sharp jab: "Keep on running, you cowards." Sky Sports reports that Joshua has already signed a preliminary contract for the bout, and Matchroom Boxing is still working toward a formal announcement.
However, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has clarified that the original agreement stipulated the fight would take place in the United Kingdom. This detail has added another layer of complexity, as Fury’s camp appears keen on a U.S. venue, particularly Madison Square Garden, while the UK‑based terms remain on the table.
Matchroom Boxing chief executive Frank Smith told Sky Sports earlier in the week that the negotiations were entering a "critical week" but remained optimistic. "It would be disappointing if it weren’t in the UK, but if it means the fight happens, we all want to see it," Smith said. He reiterated that the current signed terms call for a UK location, referencing the original March/April announcement that set those parameters.
At the same time, he acknowledged ongoing discussions about alternative sites, including MSG, and the involvement of the Saudi delegation linked to the Ring Magazine. "November is still possible, maybe later in the month, but the next seven to ten days are crucial to lock in a training camp and give the fighters an eight‑to‑ten‑week preparation window free from promotional duties," Smith added. The backdrop to this impasse dates back to 2021, when the two fighters previously tried to seal a deal but were thwarted by a U.S.
court ruling that forced Fury to honor a trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder. That legal hurdle pushed the Joshua‑Fury showdown into indefinite limbo, and the recent resurgence of talks has been met with both excitement and caution. Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, voiced his concerns to Sky Sports, noting that the prolonged silence around a firm announcement is unsettling. "Everyone’s got a bit of doubt in their mind now," Brown said.
"If you had asked me a week ago, I would have said no, but now it’s becoming a real worry that things haven’t moved forward. We need to get this fight on the calendar." The financial aspect appears to be the sticking point.
While Joshua’s camp argues that the fighter’s marketability and recent success justify a larger share, Fury’s team counters that the existing agreement already reflects a generous split, especially given the backing from Al‑Alshikh’s sports portfolio. The Saudi billionaire has been a pivotal figure in modern heavyweight boxing, funding high‑profile events and providing lucrative contracts to both fighters.
This partnership has enabled both men to command significant purses, but it also means any additional demand impacts a broader network of stakeholders. If the negotiations falter, the boxing world could miss out on what many consider the biggest heavyweight clash of the decade. A Fury‑Joshua fight would not only settle a long‑standing rivalry between the UK’s two biggest heavyweights but also generate massive pay‑per‑view revenues and global media attention.
The potential revenue streams include ticket sales at a venue like Madison Square Garden, international broadcast rights, sponsorship deals, and ancillary merchandise sales. Conversely, a compromise that sees the bout staged in the UK could satisfy the contractual obligations while still delivering a historic event for British fans. The UK has a rich tradition of hosting marquee heavyweight bouts, and a home‑soil fight would likely draw a sell‑out crowd at venues such as Wembley or the O2 Arena. It would also align with the original contract terms, potentially smoothing over any legal or logistical hurdles.
In the coming days, both camps will need to decide whether to stick rigidly to their financial demands or to find a middle ground that preserves the fight’s integrity and fan interest. The next week is expected to be decisive, as promoters, managers, and the Saudi backers weigh the costs and benefits of each scenario.
Should they reach an agreement, fans can anticipate a November showdown that could redefine the heavyweight landscape for years to come. If not, the sport may have to settle for a prolonged wait, with the rivalry simmering on until a future date when the stars finally align.